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Ezquerro set to remain in Spain

Contrary to recent reports, Barcelona's Santiago Ezquerro is not about to join a Premier League club.

By Francisco Acedo

Last Updated: 28/01/08 2:52pm

Contrary to recent reports, Barcelona's Santiago Ezquerro is not about to join a Premier League club.

The Spanish forward had been rumoured to be attracting interest from Middlesbrough, Everton, Bolton and Blackburn but now looks set to turn down the opportunity to move to England in favour of remaining in his homeland.

Real Valladolid appear to be the favourites to land Esquerro after a potential return to Athletic Bilbao has been ruled out for financial reasons.

The former Spanish international has struggled to make an impact at Camp Nou since his arrival from Bilbao in 2005 and feels that he needs regular first-team football as he enters the latter stages of his career.

Discuss the future

A meeting with Barcelona's sporting director, Txiki Beguiristain, is scheduled for Tuesday when the player will have the opportunity to find out what the club feel his future may hold.

His current deal in Catalunya runs until 2009, but with Barca keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer, and Frank Rijkaard seemingly unimpressed by the player, it would appear that both parties will agree that a move is the most sensible option.